In brief: Axon and Madano owner gears up for growth, Launch sent on Quest, BARB brings Bromley on board

Axon and Madano owner gears up for growth

National Public Relations, the largest PR firm in Canada and the owner of healthcare brand Axon Communications and corporate firm Madano, has created a new holding company brand. Avenir Global is the new parent of National, Axon, Madano and 2016 acquisition Shift. London-based international managing partner Ralph Sutton (below) said the new structure better reflected the group's desire to "pursue our long-term growth strategy, seeking out acquisitions which help us maintain and diversify our international client base and capabilities". Click for more on this from PRWeek US.

Launch sent on Quest

Launch has been appointed by Australian hospitality operator Quest Apartment Hotels to grow the brand in the UK, running a b2b media relations campaign showcasing the success of the brand to potential partners.

BARB brings Bromley on board

The Broadcasters' Audience Research Board, the official source of UK television viewing figures better known as BARB, has hired Jessica Bromley as its new comms manager. She previously worked in corporate comms for ITV Studios' global production and distribution network.

RMS PRs Pudsey hats

RMS has been appointed by retailer JD Outdoors to promote its official Pudsey-themed Ramble Hat in support of this year’s BBC Children in Need. RMS is handling all PR activity, including media relations and celebrity endorsements, to raise awareness and to promote the hats.

Maxwell Scott's PR team in place

Italian leather goods brand Maxwell Scott has unveiled a new international PR team, based in the firm's Yorkshire HQ. They are: English language-content and PR manager Jessica Oram; French PR and marketing specialist Damien Mouhat; German language-focused Nicole Rohde; and recent hires Beth Porter and Laura Mahadevan, who will work on UK and US PR respectively.

WE's German joiner

WE's Germany office has hired Daniel Blank as deputy general manager and head of digital and technology. He was most recently head of Lewis Pulse in Germany, and before that worked for Edelman.